What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Wondering what to expect at your dental checkup? You will more than likely be getting your teeth cleaned and flossed! One of the first people you will meet in this process is the dental hygienist.  A dental hygienist is a person who knows all the ins and outs about keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy!

The dental hygienist will begin by examining your mouth to make sure your teeth are growing in properly and that your gums are healthy. They do so by shining a bright overhead light into your mouth.

The next step taken by your dental hygienist is to clean and polish your teeth using tiny dental tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush. The tooth scraper is used to remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a thin, tiny layer that coats your teeth and contains a lot of bacteria that builds up over time! If plaque isn’t properly removed from your teeth, it can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Brushing and flossing come next! The hygienist will brush your teeth with a special brush and toothpaste. They will use a toothpaste that may taste like the one you use at home, but its consistency will feel a little grittier, almost like sand.

Next, they will floss your teeth and show you how to properly do so at home. Flossing involves taking a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove small particles of food that you can’t reach by simply brushing.

What did your child think of their dental checkup? Let us know on the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE. 

What to Expect at The Dentist!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Many children are apprehensive and often terrified of the dentist. Here is a brief list of what your children can expect upon arriving at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City (or your current Pediatric Dentist Office)!

After waiting for your name to be called in the waiting room, you will be assisted into one of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City's themed exam rooms. You will be directed to sit in a big comfy chair that resembles a huge recliner that you may even have in your home. You will sit in the chair on a slant with a place to rest your head and plenty of room to stretch out your legs!

There will be a tiny sink next to the chair where there are usually small cups to rinse out your mouth at the appropriate time. During your regular exam, Dr. Reynolds will most likely clean your teeth, floss them, and check for any cavities!  

Once you meet Dr. Reynolds, she will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. Then, she will check what is known as your "bite." This is the way your top and bottom teeth work together. If there are any problems with your bite, she may refer you to an orthodontist. This is another type of doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or position of your teeth. This can be corrected with braces.

Are your children nervous about going to the dentist? Let us know on the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE. 

The Importance of Oral Health, Part 1!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City 

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

You may be wondering what part of your body helps you to digest your favorite foods, say “cheese,” and look great in pictures? The answer to that is your TEETH.

Your teeth are an important part of your smile and they help you to chew and break down crunchy foods and many others! Although it is important to brush and floss your teeth daily, regular dentist checkups are crucial to your oral health.

A dentist is a type of doctor who is specially trained to care for your teeth. On your regular dentist visits, your doctor will look at your teeth and check your gums for any problems. From early on, your dentist will also check to make sure your teeth are growing in and developing properly.

You should visit Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City every 6 months to make sure you’re taking excellent care of your teeth and that your gums are healthy!

The Effects of Pacifiers and Baby Bottles of Your Child's Teeth!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although dental hygiene is important throughout your entire lifespan, it is extremely important in the first couple of years of your life. So, it’s no wonder many parents are concerned about whether or not pacifiers and baby bottles can ruin their child’s teeth.

Sucking is a natural reflex that babies develop and practice, even before they are born! It’s a normal part of development that is comforting to children even after they no longer need nourishment from breast or bottle feeding. 

So, are pacifiers a problem? Sucking habits most likely won’t damage a child’s mouth in their first couple years of life but frequent and long-term sucking can cause problems. The top front teeth may begin to slant out, the bottom teeth tilt in, the upper and lower jaws become misaligned, and the roof of the mouth may be narrower side to side. 

A couple of tips to consider if your child uses a pacifier are: to buy products that are constructed as one piece - the child shouldn’t have any parts that can break off easily and potentially be swallowed; and never fasten a pacifier on a string or necklace around your child’s neck - this could accidentally strangle your baby; and finally, offer your child a pacifier that is marketed “orthodontically correct.” This type of pacifier may not affect the teeth as much.

Children often satisfy their desire to suck by using a sippy cup or pacifiers. Children who are continuously sucking or breastfeeding long after they need too will increase the risk of decay. Also, when children consume sugars and other carbohydrates, they are provided with cavity causing bacteria. This makes children more prone to cavities at a young age. In early childhood years, a child’s teeth may appear to have small white spots or lines on them. These spots or lines show up on the edges of the gums and eventually may begin turning brown and chipped. Parents should contact their child’s dentist as soon as they notice this problem. 

It is important to keep baby teeth healthy and to stop tooth decay as soon as possible. Baby teeth often stay in children’s mouth long after their childhood years. Tooth decay can lead to pain and trouble with eating and speaking. If tooth decay begins at an early age and teeth are lost, this can cause the adult teeth to come in crowded or crooked. 

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Stacey Reynolds at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City! For more information, visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com and LIKE us on Facebook!

Let's Talk About Children's Dental Health Challenges...

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

 

 

Good oral health can be a challenge for young children, especially those in low-income families. Children in such families tend to have higher rates of tooth decay and have greater difficulty accessing ongoing basic dental care. Every child, despite their family’s economic situation, deserves a healthy smile!

Over 40-50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5 and of the 4 million children born each year, more than half will have cavities by the time they reach second grade (AAPD.org). These statistics are overwhelming!

In addition, 9 million children in the United States do not have medical insurance, but over 23 million do not have dental insurance (AAPD.org)! Oral health issues affect children in poverty and minorities far more than other groups. Unfortunately, this isn’t shocking.

It’s not just poverty stricken and minority families that have children with dental problems. According to the May 2000 Surgeon General’s report, Oral Health in America, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions (AAPD.org).

Don’t let your children suffer from oral health issues. Bad oral health could lead to time away from the classroom and extracurricular activities which help children grow mentally and emotionally.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacey Reynolds at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City to ensure your children are practicing a good oral health regimen. Dr. Reynolds specializes in pediatric dentistry and works hard to help kids develop lasting dental health habits that give them smiles they can be proud of for a lifetime! She also specializes in treating children with special needs. For more information visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.

What dental problems could a baby possibly have? The importance of infant oral health...

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

You’re probably thinking, “What dental problems could a baby possibly have so early?”  The most important reason to bring your infant in for an oral exam is to begin a thorough prevention program.

Dental problems can begin early – as early as infancy. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries, formerly known as “baby bottle tooth decay” or “nursing caries.” Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.

To prevent tooth decay from using a bottle, don’t allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Frequent juice drinking is not recommended. If you choose to give your child fruit juice here and there, avoid serving it via bottle. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time, if at all, and never in a bottle. Children should be weaned off a bottle completely between 12 and 14 months of age.

From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt bringing you through the “teething” stages. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger. Regardless of how, address this time with care and patience! 

Is your child a thumb-sucker? Don’t be alarmed! Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants, and usually stops the habit by age 2. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems, so if the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Dr. Reynolds at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City would be happy to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

It’s never too early to brush your baby’s teeth. The sooner you start cleaning your baby’s teeth, the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” or toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For 2-5 year olds, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child at brushing time. Remember, young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively! 

Fore more information on infant oral health, visit www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com or call Dr. Reynolds office at 516-222-5100. Dr. Reynolds specializes in pediatric dentistry and works hard to help kids develop lasting dental health habits that give them smiles they can be proud of for a lifetime. She also specializes in treating children withspecial needs. 

Call to schedule an appointment today!

Are you looking for a pediatric special needs dentist? Look no further!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

 

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City treats children with special needs. 

Most children with special needs require special dental needs. Some children with special needs are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease and/or oral trauma. Others require medication or diet detrimental to dental health. Furthermore, other children have physical difficulty with effective dental habits at home. 

The good news is dental disease is preventable. If dental care is started early and followed conscientiously, every child can enjoy a healthy smile. 

Your child will benefit from the preventive approach practiced at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City which is recommended for all children –effective brushing and flossing, moderate snacking, and adequate fluoride. 

Home care takes just minutes a day and prevents needless dental problems. Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also very beneficial. Sealants can prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of molars where four out of five cavities occur. 

Dr. Stacey Reynolds is trained and prepared to care for your child with special needs. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, pediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for patients with special needs. 

Bring your child in for their first visit at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and start your child on a lifetime of good dental health! 

For more information visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.

Chewing Sugarless Gum Protects Your Teeth...

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although there is a negative connotation on gum chewing and the effects it has on your teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) has placed its’ ADA Seal of approval on a few types of sugarless gum. 

Chewing gum has been viewed as a kind of candy, which turns parents and dentists off from the product. This category of the ADA Seal recognizes chewing gum that has demonstrated scientifically that it can protect the teeth! 

According to the ADA, the physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew gum after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and was away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. 

Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for about 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Look for chewing gum that has the ADA Seal of approval, which gives you assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-Accepted products are true, because the companies must verify all of the information with the ADA. 

A company earns the ADA Seal for its product by showing with scientific evidence that the chewing gum is effective for one or more specific indications, such as reducing plaque acids, promoting remineralization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. The studies must also show that the gum is safe to oral tissues.

Choose sugarless gum with the ADA Seal, such as Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum, Stride Sugarless Gum, Trident Sugarfree Gum, Wrigley’s Extra Sugarfree Gum and Wrigley’s ORBIT Sugarfree Gum. These are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol. Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay. 

Before you trade your tooth brush for a pack of gum, realize that chewing gum is an adjunct to brushing and flossing, not a substitute.